Foodservice social media conference FSMU runs Early Bird Special

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The Foodservice Social Media Universe, set for Sept. 18-20 in San Francisco, is offering $100 off the registration rate of $695 for people who register by Aug.

Salsarita’s acquired by former McAlister’s CEO

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Former McAlister’s Deli president and CEO Phil Friedman has acquired the Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina restaurant chain. The chain has 80 stores across 19 states…

Fast Casual Industry Council names new board members

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

June 15, 2011

The Fast Casual Industry Council has voted in four new members – who each will serve two-year terms on the council’s steering committee. The new members are…

Green coffee: What's driving the increase?

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

The recent increase in green coffee has its roots in many factors. Here’s a look at a few reasons why.

Au Bon Pain launches rebranding initiative

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

June 7, 2011

In conjunction with the acceleration of its national expansion strategy, 318-unit Au Bon Pain is launching a major café remodeling program. Under this…

Fast casual success: How Wingstop rose above the competition

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

To build a strong ROI, Wingstop executives built in four pillars for success.

Rumored: Roark Capital to purchase Corner Bakery, Il Fornaio

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

May 24, 2011

Several stories have appeared in national media outlets addressing the possible buyout of Il Fornaio and Corner Bakery Cafe, expected to be completed by June.

NRA 2011: Oregon in Chicago highlights local bounty

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

May 20, 2011

Oregon in Chicago has become an NRA Show tradition among attendees and continues to highlight the growing trend of traceability from farm to fork. Traceability…

Genghis Grill’s HealthKwest gives chain energy boost

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

How Genghis Grill's HealthKwest campaign yielded social media growth.

La Madeleine owner purchases Bruegger's

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

March 16, 2011

Rennes, France-based Le Duff group, owner and operator of 820 outlets including the Del Arte and Brioche Doree chains, has purchased the Burlington, Vt.-based…

Digital menu boards: Poised for U.S. growth

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

While the rollouts of digital menu boards are taking international markets by storm, implementation is slow but steady in the U.S.

Chipotle earnings: Recession, what recession?

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

February 10, 2011

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. reported financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2010.

NRA endorses PeopleMatter with strategic partnership

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

February 6, 2011

The National Restaurant Association has entered into a strategic partnership with talent-management solution provider PeopleMatter to bring automated human…

Fast casual menu additions get spicy infusion

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

January 16, 2011

Fast casual restaurants across all menu categories are rolling out new items focused on spicier flavors, a trend that has been growing for the last 10 years.

Consumers looking for differentiation, value

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

January 13, 2011

A new study by Chicago-based Technomic shows that even as consumers are expected to loosen their purse strings in 2011, finding a good value from the casual…

Daphne’s Greek Café undergoes name change, brand overhaul

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

January 12, 2011

As outlined last year when Daphne’s Greek Café was purchased by Trefethen Advisors LLC, the chain has undergone a complete brand overhaul and will debut a new…

Panera Bread prepares to open third pay-as-you-go

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

January 11, 2011

A Panera Bread location in Northeast Portland, Ore., was closed Jan. 11 to transition into the company's third pay-as-you-go restaurant. The store will reopen…

Fast Casual predicts top trends for 2011

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

It seems that 2010 brought about a series of buyouts and capital investments for fast casual chains looking to improve their operations for the year. While the…

2010: Fast Casual year in review

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Healthcare reform, bankruptcy protection and brand overhauls highlight a year full of the quintessential highs and lows.  

Wells Fargo to roll out mobile payments pilot

by Valerie Killifer — senior editor, NetWorld Alliance

Wells Fargo & Company is rolling out a Visa microSD mobile payment pilot that will include 200 Wells Fargo team members who are users of specific…